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I laugh, dismissing her concern. “The zoo was my idea. Jake will have his daughter with him, so I wanted to do something kid-friendly.”
“I see.” Scarlett nods, taking another quick sip.
“Jake mentioned that Amber loves animals. I thought it would be a great opportunity to do something fun with them. Plus, I love the baby elephants.”
Scarlett's expression softens, but she can't resist teasing. “If Jake takes you to Chuck E. Cheese next, I'm staging an intervention.”
I snort, nearly spilling my coffee. “Seriously, though, this could be good for both of us. Amber seems like a sweet kid, and I want to get to know them better.”
“I'm proud of you. And for what it's worth, I've seen the guy and think you would make an adorable couple.”
“Thanks, but I'm trying not to get ahead of myself.”
Scarlett raises her mug to her lips. “Do me a favor and go to a restaurant next time. Zoo trip aside, bowling alley nachos do not count as a romantic dinner.”
I toss a sugar packet at Scarlett, giggling as it bounces off her shoulder.
“Hey, watch it!” she laughs, batting it away.
As our laughter subsides, a warm sensation settles in my chest.
Jake may have broken down my walls, but I'm beginning to realize that maybe, just maybe, I'm ready to build something new in their place.
Scarlett smirks as I hastily gather my things. “Have fun on your play date with your boyfriend.”
Jake and I haven't labeled things yet, but I like the sound of ‘boyfriend.’
Heat rushes to my cheeks at the naughty thought. I'm getting ahead of myself.
One step at a time, Finley.
“Thanks for the chat, babe. I'll call you later?” I say, sliding out of the booth.
“You better! I want all the juicy details.” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively.
I blow her a kiss before hurrying out of the cafe.
As I approach the zoo entrance, I spot Jake and Amber waiting. Amber bounces on her toes, her golden pigtails bobbing with each excited hop as she chatters to her dad.
When Jake sees me, his face lights up, a broad smile stretching across his handsome features.
His lips brush my ear as he whispers, “You look beautiful.”
My cheeks heat at his proximity and the promise of something more in his voice.
Trying to deflect attention, I crouch down to Amber's level. “Are you excited to see the animals today?”
Amber nods enthusiastically, her blue eyes sparkling. “Yes! I want to see the elephants, monkeys, and lions!”
I chuckle at her exuberance. “Well then, we better get started!”
I catch Jake's eye as Amber takes my hand, chattering about all the animals she wants to see. He's watching us with a tender expression that makes my heart skip a beat.
I smile back, a languid warmth spreading through my limbs that has nothing to do with the weather.
Amber skips ahead, her little hand tugging at Jake's arm. “Daddy, can we see the monkeys first? Please, please, please!” she pleads.
Jake chuckles, glancing at me with a smile that makes my heart flutter. “What do you think? Should we start with the monkeys?”
